Polo matches were quite popular throughout the Heavenly Realm, but a strict rule dictated that participants could not use spiritual energy.
Lu Fan and his companions, wishing to compete, headed to the city gates to register. Upon arrival, after providing their details, a soldier eyed them and stated, "Not just anyone can participate in the polo match. It requires personal review by the County Princess!"
"That's fine, we're open to the review," Lu Fan replied with a smile, appearing quite earnest.
Seeing he couldn't dissuade them, the soldier led them to the polo field. There, a woman was enthusiastically playing polo, accompanied by several skilled players.
"Your Highness, the County Princess, more people wish to participate in the polo match!" the soldier announced, bowing respectfully. He dared not show any disrespect to the woman before him.
The Northern American County Princess looked over, a glint in her eyes. "Can you all play polo?"
"Of course, polo relies on skill. I used to play often," Ling'er chimed in.
"In that case, try playing a bit!" the Northern American County Princess suggested curiously. "If you're capable, I'll let you join tomorrow's polo tournament. If you win, I'll grant you one wish!"
"Really!" Ling'er exclaimed with delight. A wish was precisely what they lacked most, so they would stop at nothing to win.
Stepping onto the field, Lu Fan and his group showcased their skills. Thanks to Lu Fan's unparalleled physique, even without spiritual energy, he was like a fierce steed on the field, appearing exceptionally formidable.
The Northern American County Princess was pleased by this display. She hadn't expected Lu Fan, who looked ordinary, to possess such presence and excel so greatly at polo, exhibiting both sufficient strength and proficient skill. Lu Fan, who learned things quickly, didn't pay much attention to such matters.
Simultaneously, Lu Fan became the focal point on the polo field, drawing the attention of many. The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, wondering how such a polo expert had appeared in the royal city.
After the demonstration, Lu Fan and his group approached the Northern American County Princess, showing her due deference and respect.
"Your polo skills are excellent, you haven't disappointed me," the Northern American County Princess stated. "With more practice, our royal city's banner will surely fly high tomorrow!"
"County Princess, do you mean to have them join the lineup?" a man inquired with discontent. His name was Huo Guang, a guard within the royal estate. His excellent polo skills had earned him a prominent position, and he hadn't anticipated Lu Fan's emergence.
"His polo skills are no less than yours," the Northern American County Princess declared. "Your skill is inferior to his, so it's only natural to let him join the polo team. As long as you work together and help me secure first place, I will reward you accordingly!"
Huo Guang, however, shook his head. "They're merely showing off their movements. They won't be of any use on the actual battlefield."
"If you look down on us so much, how about we have a match?" Lu Fan smiled faintly, his demeanor growing more indifferent. With his ball-handling skills, he doubted he would lose to anyone, even Huo Guang, a renowned expert.
"Very well. If you lose, you withdraw from this stage. If I lose, I will also willingly withdraw," Huo Guang stated coldly, his displeasure evident. It seemed Lu Fan's actions filled him with resentment.
"Everything will be as you say," Lu Fan nodded, his gaze becoming more detached, as if everything pointed to a certain outcome.
Not long after, Huo Guang's team and Lu Fan's team met on the polo field. Each individual exuded confidence and an aura of determination.
In a swift moment, Huo Guang made the first move to seize the polo ball. He was the Northern American County Princess's most favored polo player, and for his status to be usurped by Lu Fan was certainly not a good thing for him.
Lu Fan, seeing Huo Guang, paid him little mind. Huo Guang's actions were merely an attempt to win favor with the Northern American County Princess. Lu Fan, however, was focused solely on participating in the polo tournament. If he could win first place, he could then make his request, and seeing the Ninth Prince would not be difficult.
An exciting polo match immediately commenced. Huo Guang aggressively pursued the ball, but after several passes, it was intercepted by Lu Fan and his team. Their speed was astonishing. Although Lu Fan and his group didn't use spiritual energy, their movements were significantly faster than Huo Guang's. On the polo field, true ability was undeniable.
"How exciting, so exciting!" the Northern American County Princess exclaimed, eating grapes and clapping continuously. In her eyes, both Huo Guang and Lu Fan were extraordinary, deserving of her applause.
After a period of intense pursuit, Huo Guang's score continued to fall, and he grew somewhat dejected. He couldn't fathom how his own exquisite polo skills could ultimately lead to a loss against Lu Fan, leaving him filled with regret.
"You've lost!" Ling'er looked at Huo Guang. "I shouldn't have to say more, should I?"
"I have indeed lost," Huo Guang nodded, then turned to the Northern American County Princess. "County Princess, as we agreed, if I lost, I would leave the team. I accept that."
The Northern American County Princess appeared conflicted. Huo Guang's skills were not weak, and if he could remain, their chances of winning tomorrow's polo tournament would be significantly higher.
"Since you all play polo, why bother with a temporary dispute!" Lu Fan shrugged. "Let's all play together tomorrow to win a place for the County Princess. Then, everyone's wishes will be granted. Isn't that the greatest victory!"
"Are you willing to let me play?" Huo Guang looked at Lu Fan, his heart filled with confusion.
"Naturally, I am willing!" Lu Fan nodded. "My match with you earlier was just to show you that I'm not as bad as you think!"
"But..." Huo Guang stood frozen, suddenly unsure of what to do. He hadn't expected things to turn out this way, catching him off guard.
At the same time, the Northern American County Princess also spoke, "I think so too. You are both doing this for me, so why not fight together? Tomorrow, as long as we achieve first place in polo, I will certainly keep my promise!"
"Your subordinate will not disappoint you!" Huo Guang quickly clasped his fists, his gaze earnest. At this point, he felt a sense of gratitude towards Lu Fan.